The laboratory is a scientific environment where there is no guarantee that the chemicals used or the processes performed are safe. Industrial processes sometimes require hazardous chemicals, while experiments with other substances might be extremely toxic. There are several safety measures that are used in laboratories, and one of them is the lab hood, so all labs in San Antonio TX should have laboratory fume hoods.
The design and operation of the lab fume hood is almost the same as a kitchen extractor hood. As the name suggests, the lab hood extracts toxic fumes from the lab environment and sends them outside. However, the lab hood is sometimes more sophisticated in that it also filters the air and sends it back into the reaction chamber or the lab. This sounds unnecessary but it matters where the reaction or experiment requires a stable atmospheric temperature.
Modern chemistry includes a large range of hazardous chemicals. Trained staff are going to know what these are, and they should also be familiar with those chemicals that are used in their specific line of work. They should be versed in the precautions surrounding experiments, or where their task is to identify unknown substances.
Mercury is a commonly known hazardous chemical. It is usually encountered in liquid form, since it melts at room temperature, even though it is a metal like any other metal. The problem is that, at room temperature, it also evaporates, giving off a small quantity of vaporized metal. When people breathe in this vapor they become poisoned by the metal because the vapor is equally as poisonous as the liquid form.
Mercury poisoning causes a serious disease known as Minimata, so named after a mercury leak into the sea off the shore of Japan. Nearly 50 people died in the ensuing epidemic. Typical symptoms of mercury poisoning are nervous system damage. The negative effects of the poisoning are permanent.
Caustic soda is a more common threat in industry. Its scientific name is sodium hydroxide. It gives off fine dust when it is handled too roughly. This dust is as corrosive as the powder and damages the breathing system, which can in turn lead to cancer. Where it comes into contact with the skin, it is soluble in human sweat. Once it dissolves in the sweat, it starts to eat into the skin and underlying flesh.
A more obvious hazard is sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). This is a heavy duty corrosive chemical that is used in industry. It is typically marketed in powder form, but if the powder is not handled sensitively, it gives off a fine vapor. This vapor can be breathed in. Once it comes into contact with the interior of the respiratory system it corrodes the tissue there, even in the lungs. This can cause lung cancer. On the skin, it forms a solution with sweat which destroys the skin and the tissue underneath.
Laboratories should only allow qualified workers to handle hazardous substances. There should be no disregard shown to the necessary safety measures. Where noxious gases are inhaled, this can be ignored for a while, but staff may not be aware that they are being affected by the gases. Gung-ho statements by a worker that they are "used to" the hazardous chemical or that it has practically no effect on them are irresponsible and should be disciplined. A fume hood should always be installed if it is necessary.
The design and operation of the lab fume hood is almost the same as a kitchen extractor hood. As the name suggests, the lab hood extracts toxic fumes from the lab environment and sends them outside. However, the lab hood is sometimes more sophisticated in that it also filters the air and sends it back into the reaction chamber or the lab. This sounds unnecessary but it matters where the reaction or experiment requires a stable atmospheric temperature.
Modern chemistry includes a large range of hazardous chemicals. Trained staff are going to know what these are, and they should also be familiar with those chemicals that are used in their specific line of work. They should be versed in the precautions surrounding experiments, or where their task is to identify unknown substances.
Mercury is a commonly known hazardous chemical. It is usually encountered in liquid form, since it melts at room temperature, even though it is a metal like any other metal. The problem is that, at room temperature, it also evaporates, giving off a small quantity of vaporized metal. When people breathe in this vapor they become poisoned by the metal because the vapor is equally as poisonous as the liquid form.
Mercury poisoning causes a serious disease known as Minimata, so named after a mercury leak into the sea off the shore of Japan. Nearly 50 people died in the ensuing epidemic. Typical symptoms of mercury poisoning are nervous system damage. The negative effects of the poisoning are permanent.
Caustic soda is a more common threat in industry. Its scientific name is sodium hydroxide. It gives off fine dust when it is handled too roughly. This dust is as corrosive as the powder and damages the breathing system, which can in turn lead to cancer. Where it comes into contact with the skin, it is soluble in human sweat. Once it dissolves in the sweat, it starts to eat into the skin and underlying flesh.
A more obvious hazard is sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). This is a heavy duty corrosive chemical that is used in industry. It is typically marketed in powder form, but if the powder is not handled sensitively, it gives off a fine vapor. This vapor can be breathed in. Once it comes into contact with the interior of the respiratory system it corrodes the tissue there, even in the lungs. This can cause lung cancer. On the skin, it forms a solution with sweat which destroys the skin and the tissue underneath.
Laboratories should only allow qualified workers to handle hazardous substances. There should be no disregard shown to the necessary safety measures. Where noxious gases are inhaled, this can be ignored for a while, but staff may not be aware that they are being affected by the gases. Gung-ho statements by a worker that they are "used to" the hazardous chemical or that it has practically no effect on them are irresponsible and should be disciplined. A fume hood should always be installed if it is necessary.
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Read more about Some Examples Of Hazardous Substances Extracted By Laboratory Fume Hoods.
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